HE DESCENDED INTO HELL By Bro. Paul Atsu Agbemashior

HE DESCENDED INTO HELL, AND ON THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE AGAIN 

Paul Atsu Agbemashior 

In the Apostle's Creed, a confession of faith that stretches back to the early Church, the phrase "He descended into hell" is included. This expression alludes to the notion that following his crucifixion, Jesus entered the underworld, also known as Hades or Sheol, and preached to the spirits incarcerated there. To release the souls of the righteous who had passed away before his resurrection, Jesus entered the realm of the dead.

"With the expression 'He descended into hell', the Apostles' Creed confesses that Jesus really died and that by his death he conquered for us death and the devil 'who has the power of death' (Heb 2:14). (CCC 636).

Catholic teaching on this subject is based on theology and biblical allusion. Although the statement "He descended into hell" is not found in the Bible, a number of passages allude to Jesus' entry into the afterlife. For example, 1 Peter 3:18-19 says that Christ "suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring you to God. He was killed in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit. He also visited the imprisoned souls while preaching there. According to this verse, after dying on the cross, Jesus went to preach to souls in the hereafter.

Another scripture often quoted on this subject is Ephesians 4:9-10, which says: "He [Jesus] also descended to the lower parts of the earth. He who descended also ascended far above all the heavens to fill all things". This passage suggests that Jesus descended into the realm of the dead before ascending into heaven.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms this teaching, stating that “Jesus, like all men, experienced death and in his soul joined the others in the realm of the dead. But he descended there as Savior, proclaiming the Good News to the spirits imprisoned there” (CCC 632). This teaching emphasizes that Jesus’ descent into the realm of the dead was a salvific act, in which he proclaimed the Gospel to those who had died before his resurrection.

The resurrection of Jesus, a central pillar of the Christian faith, is referred to in the phrase "On the third day he rose again". Biblical allusions, such as the Gospel stories of the empty tomb and the appearances of the resurrected Jesus to his followers, also lend credence to the resurrection of Jesus. 

As we can see in 1 Corinthians 15:14, 17, St Paul emphasised the resurrection. This is an emphasis on the fact that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith. If Christ had not risen from the grave, the gospel would be useless and hollow. It gives Christians hope and assurance that Jesus is the Son of God, that he has conquered sin and death, and that those who believe in him will be raised to eternal life. In other words, humanity would still be trapped in sin and unable to find salvation if Christ had not been raised from the dead. The resurrection of Christ is therefore the foundation of the Christian faith.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the resurrection of Jesus is a historical event that has profound theological significance. It states that “The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ, a faith believed and lived as the central truth by the first Christian community; handed on as fundamental by Tradition; established by the documents of the New Testament; and preached as an essential part of the Paschal mystery along with the cross” (CCC 638).

The themes of salvation and new life linked to the death and resurrection of Jesus are often emphasised in today's lessons. The presentation emphasises the need to live according to the Gospel message and the hope that Christians have in the face of suffering and death.

The Apostles' Creed, a declaration of the central convictions of the Catholic faith, contains the Catholic belief that "He descended into hell and on the third day he rose from the dead." While it may be challenging to comprehend or apply this adage to contemporary life, there are a number of ways Catholics can live out this concept every day:

Embrace the mystery: The concept of Christ’s descent into hell is a mysterious one, and Catholics are encouraged to embrace this mystery rather than trying to fully understand it. This means acknowledging that there are some things about God and his plan that are beyond our understanding, and trusting that God has a purpose for everything, even if we don’t fully comprehend it.

Reflect on the significance of the resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is a foundational belief of the Catholic faith, and it has immense significance for our lives today. Catholics can practice this belief by reflecting on the ways in which the resurrection gives us hope, joy, and new life, even in the midst of suffering and death.

Share the Good News: The resurrection of Jesus is the central message of the Gospel, and Catholics are called to share this message with others. This can be done through evangelization, acts of kindness and service, and sharing our own personal experiences of encountering the risen Christ.

Seek forgiveness and redemption: The descent of Jesus into hell can be seen as a symbol of his willingness to descend into the depths of human suffering and sin in order to bring redemption and salvation to all people. Catholics can practice this belief by seeking forgiveness for their own sins and by working to bring healing and redemption to others who are struggling.

In summary, Catholics can practice the belief in “He descended into hell and on the third day he rose from the dead” by embracing the mystery, reflecting on the significance of the resurrection, sharing the Good News, and seeking forgiveness and redemption. These practices can help us to deepen our faith and live more fully in the light of Christ's resurrection. These teachings are based on biblical references and theological reflection, and are central to Christian faith and practice.